Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Car hire costs branded ‘extortionate’

MORE THAN 45% of hire car users described hidden costs such as insurance and fuel as extortionate, according to a new survey. 200 UK consumers aged over 30 and earning more than £20,000 per annum were quizzed for the survey, conducted on behalf of Carhiremarket.com, with over 45% agreeing that hidden costs for insurance and fuel were extortionate. Users cited greater transparency or an all-inclusive upfront price as a more desirable option.

GM prepares to announce Pontiac closure next week

General Motors is preparing to announce early next week that the Pontiac brand will be eliminated, said a source familiar with the company's plans. The announcement will be made as part of an updated viability report to the U.S. auto task force, the source said.

General Motors says Magna's Opel bid has obstacles, RHJ's is easier to accept

General Motors Co. says a bid for Opel from Magna International faces hurdles while a rival offer from Belgian investor RHJ International would be easier to accept. Writing on GM Europe's Web site, John Smith, GM's chief negotiator for the Opel sale, says Magna's bid "contained elements around intellectual property and our Russian operations that simply could not be implemented." He adds: "GM has partners in other parts of the world who have joint ownership of these assets ...